The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Coker Arboretum, begun in 1903 by William C. Coker, the first faculty member in the botany department, is a model of what cities like Raleigh and Durham need - civic open spaces. Although only five acres, it is a place that draws people together.

The Coker Arboretum at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2003. It was created by a young botany professor, William C. Coker. Although only five acres in size, the arboretum is considered one of state's most beautiful places.

Chapel Hill is truly the land of the trees - recently, the North Carolina garden club designated the University arboretum to become a tree school where every garden club in the State may visit to learn and study various trees. More than 500 varieties of trees and shrubs grow in the arboretum.